As it turns out, that tweak could linger for the remainder of the season.

“The doctor said I got jumper’s knee,” Judge told SNY.tv after today’s practice. “And it’s kind of hard to fix while in season because I would have to rest and they would probably have to give me an injection, but they can’t do it right now because of games and practice.”

While Judge aggravated the knee in practice leading up the UConn game, Rice said it’s an issue Judge has had for about a year and a half and it flares up every now and then.

However, last season, Judge was redshirting after transferring from Kansas State. In turn, he had plenty of time to rest the knee.

So while Judge is used to putting in extra work even on his days off, he now has to be more cognizant of giving his ailing knee a break.

“Jumper’s knee just comes through the continuous running and jumping and pounding on your knees and just not getting a break so to speak,” Judge said. “Even on days off I get shots up and things like that, but I guess my days off I really got to take advantage and cater to the knee.”

Judge – who’s averaging 7.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as Rutgers’ best big man – knows the injury could affect his game, but it won’t stop him from playing out the remainder of the season.

“It’s hard to push off it, so as far as like laterally moving, whether it’s pushing off or going to my lefts, it’s a little tough – probably with my explosion,” Judge said. “But like I said, I just got to play through it.”